Wireless Activation System and Method

ABSTRACT

A system and method for wireless activation of a target. A communication device transmits and ID associated with the target to a network operations center. The network operations center provides an activation signal to the communication device. The communication device wirelessly transmits an acoustic activation signal to a nearby activation device. The activation device is positioned proximate the target and causes a change in at least one physical property of the target. The target may be an optical media containing an electrochromic material with optical properties that change on application of an electric signal.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority in U.S. provisional application Ser.No. 60/400,414, filed on Jul. 31, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system and method for wirelessactivation of an items at a user's point-of-presence (POP).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Activation of, or regulation of access to, articles or media at aconsumer's immediate point-of-presence (POP) is an emerging mediadistribution model. Examples include enabling pay-per-view movies athome or on the road, and remote activation of driver's licenses, creditcards, tickets, software, electronic games and products. Flexibility inthe distribution model, such as the ability to provide pay-for-play,repeatable play and on-demand play, is highly desirable. Applicationssuch as these required a method of activating an article or media at theconsumer's POP in a controlled manner that facilitates differentbusiness objectives. The ability to provide repeatable (i.e. multi-use)and dynamic activation and regulation of access to optical media such asCDs and DVDs, in a manner that reduces shipping costs and environmentalimpact, is of particular interest.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a novel system and method for wirelessactivation of an item or target. The invention also provides a novelform of optical media for use in conjunction with the system thatfacilitates activation via use of a material attached to or embedded inthe optical media and having an optical property that may be altered byapplication of an electrical signal.

Accordingly, one embodiment of the invention is a method for wirelessactivation of a target. A third party determines whether a user isauthorized to activate a target and provides an activation signal to theuser's communication device. The communication device wirelesslytransmits the activation signal to an activation device proximate thetarget. The activation device activates the target by applying a signalto the target that changes at least on physical property of the target.

Another embodiment of the invention is an optical media that is alteredby application of an electrical signal to affect the perceptibility ofthe optical media.

Another embodiment of the invention is a method for regulating access tocontent within an optical media comprising emitting an acoustic signalfrom a communication device proximate the optical media to alter atleast one optical property of the optical media.

Another embodiment of the invention is a wireless activation system. Thesystem includes a target to be activated, and an activation device thatapplies an electrical signal to the target to effect a change in atleast one physical property of the target and thereby activate thetarget. The system also includes a communication device that provides anactivation signal to the activation device to permit activation of thetarget, and a third party entity that participates in the activation ofthe target in response to information provided by the communicationdevice.

Another embodiment of the invention is an optical media comprising amaterial having at least one optical property that changes in responseto application of an electrical signal and affects the accessibility ofthe optical media. The change in the optical property is reversible andrepeatable.

Another embodiment of the invention is a method for activating anoptical media. An ID is obtained from a user to determine whether theuser is authorized to activate the optical media. An activation signalis wirelessly transmitted to an activation device proximate the opticalmedia to authorize activation of the optical media, and an electricalsignal is sent from the activation device to the optical media to alterat least one optical property of and activate the optical media.

Another embodiment of the invention is an optical media thatincorporates thin films or gels organized as a battery, the batterybeing rendered operable or inoperable by application of an externalelectrical signal to the thin films or gels.

Another embodiments of the invention is an article configured foractivation. the article comprises an optical media and a material incontact with the optical media. The material has at least one opticalproperty that is altered by application of an electrical signal toaffect the readability or writeability of the optical media. A removableactivation device is positioned proximate the material for applying theelectrical signal to the material.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will beor will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination ofthe following figures and detailed description. It is intended that allsuch additional systems, methods, features and advantages be includedwithin this description, be within the scope of the invention, and beprotected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasisinstead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the different views.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a wireless activation system according tothe present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an optical media device according to thepresent invention.

FIGS. 3A-C are block diagrams of activation devices according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of one implementation of a target and activationdevice according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of another implementation of a target and activationdevice according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method for wireless activation accordingto the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A wireless activation system 10 according to the present invention isillustrated in FIG. 1. System 10 comprises a communication device 12, atarget (item to be activated) 14 and an activation device 16 at a user'spoint-of-presence (POP) 18, and a network operations center (NOC) 20.Communication device 12 is used to wirelessly activate target 14 at theuser's POP 18, with the assistance or participation of a remote NOC 20.

Communication device 12 should be construed broadly and includes anycommunication device capable of local acoustic output (typically viaspeakers) and wide area communication including, but not limited to,plain old telephones (POTs), portable or cellular phones, smart phones(such as J2ME, BREW and/or WAP enables phones), personal digitalassistants (PDAs), portable computers and so on. Typically, a user willinterface with communication device 12 via voice command or via a userinterface such as a keypad/keyboard or a touch screen.

Target 14 is some article, item or media at a user's point of presencethat is to be activated. One type of item or target for which activationmay commonly be desired is an optical media such as, for example, acompact disk (CD), video disk, digital versatile disk (DVD), laser diskor a hologram that stores content such as audio, video, images, codes.the layer or inner workings of the target, and other types of data andinformation. FIG. 2 generally depicts an optical media 30 according tothe present invention comprising content 32, electro-optical material 34and input interface 36. It must be understood that FIG. 2 is presentedfor ease of reference purposes only and does not limit the size,configuration or orientation of the components of optical media device30 relative to each other.

The optical properties of optical media 30 are regulated by applicationof an electrical signal to optical media 30. In particular, opticalmedia 30 contains an electro-optic material 34 whose properties can bechanged in response to electrical signals to impact the transmissibilityof light or to change the visual perception of optical media 30 (i.e.,change its color, reveal or conceal information, etc.) or content 32stored therein. Changes in material 34, in turn, affect the ability of auser or machine to read from, write to, address, perceive or otherwisegain optical access to optical media 30 and an content 32, data or otherinformation stored therein. It may allow or prevent a CD or DVD to beread from or written to, for example, or conceal or make visible ahologram or other indicia on a credit card or driver's license. It mayconceal, make visible or otherwise alter the appearance of any visualarticle or element used for identification, validation, security orother purposes on other types of items such as identification cards,security passes, tickets, coupons, products, and so on. These are but afew examples of the many applications of the present invention which, inits most basic form, comprises an optical media that is altered byapplication of an electrical signal to affect the perceptibility of theoptical media and/or content stored or embodied therein.

Material 34 is interspersed or layered in or on optical media 30.Material 34 may be layered on optical media 30, dispersed throughoptical media 30 or limited to specific locations, such as radialsectors, tracks, rings, patterns, layers and/or cylinders. It may belocated on the surface of optical media 30, on top of the media'sreflective layer or below the surface of optical media 30 (e.g. below aprotective coating or varnish). One or more types and/or inclusions ofelectro-optic material may be provided.

Material 34 possesses one or more optical properties (transparency,reflectivity, color, patter, etc.) that change in response toapplication of an electrical signal, and thereby affect in some manneroptical access to optical media 30 and the content 32 stored therein.Examples of such optical properties include, without limitation, theability of the material to block light, allow light to pass through orrefract light, the path or reflection of the light, or the color and/orhue of the film. Examples of electro-optic materials suitable for usewith the present invention include, without limitation, electrochromicfilms and gels and liquid crystal materials. The choice of the specificmaterial should take into account the desired decay rate, if any. Someelectro-optic materials change state very rapidly when power is appliedor removed, while others change state more slowly and asymmetrically. Amaterial might open (clear) quickly when power is applied, for example,but decay to a closed (opaque) state more slowly. Some materials changestate when power is applied, and maintain that state when power isremoved.

Input interface 36 receives an electrical signal 38 from an externalsource (typically an activation device) and conducts it to material 34.Input interface 36 may be coupled to both material 34 and content 32and, as shown, is also capable of generating output signals 39 that mayinclude, for example, information about the state or content of opticalmedia 30. Electrical signal 38 may include power and/or data(information) components, and interface 36 may have separate connectionsfor receiving these components. Material 34 is typically “activated”(meaning that some optical property of material 34 is altered) byapplication of power. To provide security and control, however,additional data or information may be needed to regulate delivery ofpower to material 34. Hence, electrical signal 38 may contain both powerand data/information (or power and data signals may be separatelyreceived).

The power used to activate material 34 may be supplied by a sourceinternal to optical media 30 (e.g. a thin film or layered materialsbattery), by an external power source (e.g. an activation device) or bya combination to the two. If power is supplied by an internal source,logic internal to optical media 30 may be activated in response to datacontained in signal 38 and used to regulate delivery of power tomaterial 34. The logic may be as simple as a gate or a filter. Anactivation device may send an appropriate code to optical media 30, forexample, and logic within optical media 30 may use the code to switch aninternal battery off or on. If power is supplied by an external source(activation device), signal 38 may contain both data (e.g. a code) andpower. Logic in optical media 30 regulates delivery of the electricalsignal power to material 34 according to the electrical signal code.

Input interface 36 and material 34 may be thought of together as an“optical shutter” whose properties are regulated and power and datasignals applied thereto. The period of time the shutter is open and thespeed with which the window opens or closes can be regulated byregulating the electro-optical material decay rate. The shutter mayautomatically close some period of time after it has been opened (orvice versa). Where separately addressable inclusions of electro-opticalmaterial are used, another property may be changed in conjunction withthe shutter (i.e., the shutter may open and the color of the separateinclusion of material may change).

Optical media 30 may include logic, gates and/or filters (not shown) toregulate or control access to material 34 and/or content 32. Theseadditional elements may be a part of input interface 36, or may becontained within a separate component. In one example, as noted above,logic may be used to regulate application of power to material 34. Inanother example, a band-pass filter may be implemented to cause material34 to pass only signals (light) in a specific band to content 32, or toregulate power to material 34. Gates and/or filters may be used toprotect optical media 30 and material 34 from unintended or damagingsignals (a cessation in function/gating, for example, after repeatedunauthorized attempts to activate optical media 32). Optical media 30may also include logic to identify to external sources, and to monitor,regulate and control access to and usage of content 32. Usage may belimited to a certain number or period of times, for example, or accessmay be granted only to particular types of access devices. Access can bemonitored in detail including what accessing device was used, when theaccess occurred, the frequency of the access and whether the access wasauthorized or unauthorized.

As will be described in more detail herein, optical media 30 may alsoinclude an embedded ID or identification sequence that is provided to anactivation device on receipt of an appropriate initiation signal. The IDmay be encoded and printed on, stored or embedded in material 34 oranother portion of optical media 30.

Material 34 may also be used to construct a battery within optical media30. In addition to being deployed to affect the optical properties ofoptical media 30, for example, electrochromic materials within opticalmedia 30 may be organized in such a way that they produce electricity.The battery may be incorporated into optical media 30 in such a way thatit provides or ceases to provide power to optical media 30 upon theoccurrence of some particular event, such as activation of material 34,a change of state in material 34, or removal/addition of an attachedactivation device.

The change in the optical properties of material 34 may be reversibleand repeatable. Hence, where the optical medium is a CD, for example,the film's optical properties may be repeatedly changed to make the CDreadable or non-readable. This is an important distinction relative toprocesses that employ single use, non-reversible chemical processes toactivate or deactivate a medium.

In addition to changing one or more optical properties of optical media30 (or properties of a target 14 in general), the electrical signalapplied by activation device 16 may also alter data or informationstored on optical media 30. For example, with each use, activationdevice 16 may alter the unique code or ID associated with optical media30 in order to improve security.

Referring again to FIG. 1, activation device 16 is configured to applyan electrical signal to target 14 and is also in communication withcommunication device 12. As described above, the electrical signal mayinclude power and/or information components. The information componentsmay take alternative forms and/or utilize alternative modes ofcommunication between the activation device and the target such as RF,optical, infrared and reflective light. Activation device 16 may beembedded in target 14 and reusable, or separate and/or removable fromtarget 14. If separate or removable from target 14, activation device 16may be disposable. If target 14 is a DVD or credit card, for example,activation device 16 may take the form of a removable sticker or tag.Activation device 16 may involve a combination of both a disposableelement (a sticker)

Exemplary implementations of an activation device 40 according to thepresent invention are illustrated in FIGS. 3A-C. In its most basicconfiguration, depicted in FIG. 3A, activation device 40 comprises atransducer 42, amplifier 42, logic 46, an output 48 to the target and abattery or power source 50.

Transducer 42 may comprise, but is not limited to, an acoustic receiver,thin film, piezeolectric microphone, piezoelectric biomorph actuator,electret microphone, silicon micromachined microphone or a strain gauge.Transducer 42 receives an acoustic activation signal or sequence 52 fromcommunication device 54 and outputs an electrical signal to amplifier44. Hence, where communication device 54 is a telephone, the user maysimply place telephone 54 close enough to activation device 40 to allowa microphone in transducer 42 to receiver an activation signal emittedfrom a speaker in device 54.

Amplifier 44 amplifies the output from transducer 42 and provides theamplified signal to logic 46. Logic 46 defines or characterizes anelectrical signal destined for the target based on the activation signalor sequence from transducer 42. Output 48 is an electrical interface tothe target and may comprise, for example, a surface contact, bridge ormicro wires. It outputs an electrical signal 56 to the target as definedby logic 63. Alternatively, the output signal may be in the form oflight (LED), RF or other appropriate proximity communication techniques.

As depicted in FIG. 3A, power source 50 may be battery contained withinactivation device 40. Alternatively, as depicted in FIG. 3B, powersource 50 may be external to activation device 40. Power source 50 may,for example, be contained within the target or even be a part of theacoustic signal 52 from communication device 54. Activation device 40may also include a transmitter 58 for transmitting a signal 60 tocommunication device 54 (FIG. 3C). Signal 60 may be, for example, anacoustic signal containing or consisting of an ID transmitted totelephone 54 in response to an initiation sequence from telephone 54 orNOC 20 (see description below). As also depicted in FIG. 3C, activationdevice 40 may receive an input 62 from the target. The input may be asignal containing an ID (if stored at the target), information about thestate of the target and/or any other type of useful informationregarding the target.

In one implementation, where the activation device is configured as adisposable item such as a peel-off sticker, an electrical signal iscontinuously supplied via a battery in the activation device to thetarget. When the activation device is removed from the target, theelectrical signal is interrupted, triggering a mechanism within thetarget which activates or deactivates the material. For example, theoptical media could be shipped with an “open” optical shutter, butunreadable due to the presence of the sticker. The open state ismaintained as long as power is present. When the sticker is removed,power is no longer present and the shutter will begin to close, leavingthe content accessible for a predetermined period of time.

In another implementation, the activation device sends an appropriatesignal or code to the target (i.e., via signal 56 in FIG. 3C). Inresponse, logic within the target generates a signal that is transmittedto the activation device (signal 62). Logic in the activation deviceuses the signal from the target to regulate the supply of power to thetarget. The code/signals transmitted to and from the activation devicewill typically be dependent on or related to decision rules, algorithmsor other information generated by or stored in NOC 20.

Activation device 40 may also comprise a memory and clock (not shown).The memory may store information such as the ID of the activationdevice, and other variables or information related to activation, suchas any ID received from the target (as part of signal 62), numbers ofallowed and attempted activations and activation attempts and logicvariables received from the NOC and user. The clock may be used to limitusage to a period of time or to limit the opportunity to activate to aperiod of time.

FIG. 4 depicts one example implementation of a target 70 and activationdevice 75 according to the present invention. Target 70 is an opticalmedia in the form of a DVD. DVD 70 comprises an electrochromic film 72layered just below the protective layer and above the reflective layerof DVD 70. DVD 70 also comprises an input interface 74 near its centerin the form of a micro-wire ring that is just under the protectivefinish or vanish of DVD 70 and connected to film 72. An activationdevice 75 in the form of a removable sticker or tag is coupled to DVD 70directly over ring 74 with conductive adhesive. Hence, the output ofactivation device 75 is directly over input interface 74.

Activation device 75 issues an electrical signal that causes the someproperty to change in electrochromic film 72. In one implementation,film 72 changes from opaque to clear so that a laser light from the DVDplayer is allowed to pass through the reflective layer beneath, and DVD70 is thereby operable and readable by the player. Alternatively (oradditionally), film 72 may change color to provide a visual indicator orthe state of DVD 70 (e.g. readable or non-readable) or to revealadditional information. Where activation device 75 takes the form of aremovable sticker or tag, once DVD 70 has been activated, sticker 75 maybe peeled off DVD 70 and discarded.

FIG. 5 depicts another example implementation of a target 80 andactivation device 88 according to the present invention. Target 80comprises an optical media, in the form of a hologram 82 embedded in apolymer media, in the form of a credit card 84. An electrochromic film86 is layered on top of hologram 82. Alternatively, hologram 82 isincorporated into the bottom layer of film 86. Removable activationdevice 88, in the form of a sticker with instructions, is placed on thecard proximate or in contact with film 86. An electrical signal fromactivation device 88 causes film 86 to change from opaque to clear thusrevealing the underlying hologram (or different portions of the hologramdepending on the activation code) and allowing use of credit card 84.

As an alternative to hologram 82, any visual article or element that isused for security, identification, validation, etc. may be used.Moreover, application is not limited to a credit card, or even to apolymer media. Other applications include, without limitation, driver'slicenses, identification cards, security passes, tickets, coupons,products and so on.

FIG. 6 depicts a method 100 for wireless activation of a targetaccording to the present invention. Method 100 is described inconjunction with system 10 of FIG. 1. In step 102, a user desiring toactivate a target 14 calls network operation center (NOC) 20 withcommunication device 12. Where activation device i6 is a sticker, forexample, the telephone number of NOC 20 may be printed on the sticker(see, e.g., FIGS. 4 and 5). It could also be printed directly on target14. NOC 20 is typically a third party entity that participates in and/orregulates the activation process. The level and nature of participationby NOC 20 may vary. In one implementation, NOC 20 confirms that a userattempting to activate a device or target 14 is authorized to activatethat device. NOC 20 may also perform other functions such as collectingpayment and accounting. The ability to regulate activation by a remoteparty is key to many economic models, and is to be distinguished fromsystems that activate by simple exposure to air or light without remoteregulation. Typically, NOC 20 will be remote from the user's POP 18. Insome embodiments, however, the NOC or third party authorizing entity maybe represented at POP 18 via proxy on or in conjunction withcommunication device, or on a stored-value system such as a prepaidcard, digital wallet, etc.

In an optional step 104, the user enters a PIN to demonstrate that he isan authorized user. Next, communication device 12 acquires anidentification sequence or ID(s) to transmit to NOC 20. Target 14 andactivation device 16 may each have unique IDs, and the NOC 20 mayrequire one, both or none of them depending on the level of securitydesired. The ID may be formatted in any appropriate fashion, includingalpha numeric, binary or a characteristic signal (e.g. designed forprocessing by band-pass filters or digital signal processors). This maybe done via manual entry by the user (flow path “A”) or by transmissionfrom the activation device (flow path “B”). In flow path “A”, an ID isentered manually by the user in step 106. A target ID, for example, maybe printed on the target, or an activation ID may be printed on theactivation device 16.

In flow path “B”, the ID is not entered manually by the user but,rather, is stored at activation device, target or a separate source atthe user's point-of-presence. The ID may be stored in memory atactivation device 16, printed on target 14, acquired from target 14 or,alternatively, accessed from a separate source at the user'spoint-of-presence 18. In flow path “B”, where the ID is not entered bythe user but acquired from another source, process 100 could beinitiated directly by NOC 20 without a user phone call.

In some cases, it may not be necessary to obtain an ID at all. Incertain promotional applications, for example, the particular phonenumber called by the consumer will be default determine the ID of thetarget. Where NOC 20 initiates the call, it may already know the targetID.

After either user or NOC initiation, NOC 20 transmits an initiationsignal to communication device 12 (step 108), and communication device12 then transmits an initiation signal to activation device 16 (step110). The initiation signals may be alpha numeric, binary,characteristic signals or any other appropriate format. This may bedone, by example, via an acoustic signal generated by NOC 20, or by aJ2ME application resident on communication device 12 that transmits anacoustic initiation signal to activation device 16 upon receipt ofinstructions from NOC 20. Upon receiving the initiation signal,activation device 16 “wake up” and transmits an ID to communicationdevice 12 (step 112). Preferably, the transmission of an ID fromactivation device 16 to communication device 12 is acoustic.Alternatively, or additionally, upon receipt of the initiation signal,activation device 16 may need to acquire an ID from the target itself.This may be accomplished by supplying power or an electrical signal fromactivation device 16 to target 14. Logic in target 14 “wake up” andoutputs the ID to activation device 16, which retransmits the ID tocommunication device 12.

After either manual or automatic acquisition of an ID from target 14and/or activation device 16, communication device 12 transmits the ID toNOC 20. Preferably, the ID is relayed to NOC 20 as an acoustic voice oraudio signal. This transmission may occur either automatically or withuser intervention (i.e., the user presses an “authorize” key/button orthe like on the telephone keypad). Upon receiving the ID, NOC 20accesses information and records related to the user to determinewhether that user is authorized to activate target 14. The informationand records accessed by NOC 20 may include some or all of (a)information related to the user based on the user's ID and phone numberassociated with communication device 12 he is calling from and/or thephone number associated with his account; (b) the phone number called bythe user; (c) activation device 16; (d) target 14; and (e)point-of-presence 18. NOC 20 may also access decision rules. Based onthe accessed information/records and decision rules, NOC 20 generatesand transmits an activation signal to communication device 12 (step116). The activation signal may be alpha numeric, binary, acharacteristic signal or any other appropriate signal format.

After receiving the activation signal, communication device 12retransmits an activation signal to activation device 16 (step 118). Aspreviously described, activation device 16 is positioned to provide anelectrical or other signal to target 14. The activation signal may betransmitted automatically or with some form or user intervention. Theuser, for example, may indicate his final acceptance orconfirmation/authorization of charge. After receiving the activationsignal, activation device 16 outputs an electrical signal to target 14(step 120). The electrical signal transmitted by activation device 16alters some property of the optical media. It may, for example, changethe state of a material contained in the optical media (e.g. clear toopaque) to change the readability of writeability of the optical media.

Finally, the various signals that are exchanged in method 100 may beencoded/encrypted and various steps in the encoding/encrypting;decoding/decrypting process may occur at NOC 20, activation device 16and target 14 (separately or in combination). An authorization sequence,for example, may depend upon a combination of codes and/or IDs locatedat activation device 16 and target 14.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many moreembodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scopeof this invention.

1-21. (canceled)
 22. A wireless activation device for activating a target, comprising: a material attached to the target that renders at least a portion of the target unreadable; and an activation device on the target and connected to the material, the activation device configured to cause an electrical signal to be applied to the material in response to an activation signal to effect a change in an optical, physical or electrical property of the material to thereby affect readability of the target.
 23. The wireless activation device according to claim 22, wherein the target is an identification card, security pass, ticket, coupon, license, credit card, optical media, optical disc, DVD, or CD.
 24. The wireless activation device according to claim 22, wherein: the target is an optical disc; the material is attached to the optical disc to render the disc unreadable; and the activation device is on the disc and connected to the material, the activation device configured to cause the electrical signal to be applied to the material in response to the activation signal to effect the change in the optical, physical or electrical property of the material to thereby affect readability of the disc
 25. The wireless activation device according to claim 24, wherein the material is attached to a surface of the disc.
 26. The wireless activation device according to claim 24, wherein the material is attached to a surface of the disc and covered with a protective coating.
 27. The wireless activation device according to claim 24, wherein the material is embedded in the disc.
 28. The wireless activation device according to claim 24 wherein the activation device is removable from the disc.
 29. The wireless activation device according to claim 24 wherein the activation device is part of a removable sticker.
 30. The wireless activation device according to claim 24 wherein the activation device is part of a peel-off sticker.
 31. The wireless activation device according to claim 24 wherein the activation device has circuitry for regulating the application of power to the material.
 32. The wireless activation device according to claim 24 wherein the optical disc is a DVD or CD.
 33. The wireless activation device according to claim 24 wherein the material changes to allow the disc surface under the material to be revealed.
 34. The wireless activation device according to claim 24 wherein the activation device is permanently attached to the disc.
 35. The wireless activation device according to claim 24 wherein the activation device is releasably attached to the disc.
 36. The wireless activation device according to claim 24 wherein the material is permanently attached to the disc.
 37. The wireless activation device according to claim 24 wherein the material is releasably attached to the disc.
 38. The wireless activation device according to claim 24 wherein the activation device includes a wireless transceiver.
 39. The wireless activation device according to claim 38 wherein the activation device is configured to convert a received wireless signal to the electrical signal.
 40. The wireless activation device according to claim 38 wherein the activation device is constructed to transmit an embedded ID value using the wireless transceiver.
 41. A method for activating an optical disc, comprising the steps of: receiving a wireless signal at an activation device that is in or an optical disc; using the received wireless signal to generate and electrical signal; applying the electrical signal to a material in or on the disc; changing, responsive to the electrical signal, a physical property of the material; and revealing content under the material subsequent to the physical change in the material's property.
 42. The method according to claim 41, further including the step of removing the activation device from the optical disc subsequent to the physical change in the material's property.
 43. The method according to claim 41, further including the step of peeling a sticker off the optical disc subsequent to the physical change in the material's property, the sticker including the activation device.
 44. A method for activating a target, comprising the steps of: receiving a wireless signal at an activation device that is in or on the target; using the received wireless signal to generate an electrical signal; applying the electrical signal to a material in or on the target; changing, responsive to the electrical signal, an optical property of the material; and revealing content under the material subsequent to the optical change in the material's property.
 45. The method according to claim 40, wherein the revealing step further comprises revealing a hologram, revealing printed information, or exposing stored data.
 46. A method for activating a target, comprising the steps of: receiving a wireless signal at an activation device that is in or on the target; using the received wireless signal to generate an electrical signal; applying the electrical signal to a material in or on the target; changing, responsive to the electrical signal, an electrical property of the material; and activating content on the target subsequent to the electrical change in the materials's property. 